Only Jesus can cast out unclean spirits

GOSPEL THOUGHTS

*Ordinary Season : 22nd Week : Tuesday*

*Gospel : Lk 4:31-37*

*First Reading : 1 Thes 5:1-6, 9-11*

*Only Jesus can cast out unclean spirits*

*1) The man with an unclean Spirit*

The Gospel of the day presents to us a man with an unclean spirit

Surprisingly this unclean sprit recognizes Jesus and knows about the fact that Jesus can destroy this unclean spirit 

Finally it is Jesus who casts out the unclean spirit and sets the man free from the bondage of unclean spirit

*2) Am I affected with Unclean Spirits?*

Certainly yes. All of us are affected either one or other forms of unclean spirits

Some of the examples would be following

The unclean spirit of anger 

The unclean spirit of pride

The unclean spirit of greed

The unclean spirit of revenge

The unclean spirit of selfishness

The unclean spirit of lust

The unclean spirit of power

The unclean spirit of authority

The unclean spirit of ignorance

The unclean spirit of laziness

The unclean spirit of division

The unclean spirit of destruction

All these unclean spirits spoil our life and we need the assistance of Jesus to drive them out 

*3) The arrival of the Man into the synagogue*

The Gospel clearly tells us that, the man with an unclean spirit was found in the synagogue

Synagogue becomes the meeting place for Jesus and unclean spirit 

The moment the unclean spirit encounters Jesus, it simply accepts its defeat and runs away form the person   

*4) The need of coming to the synagogue*

It is not enough to have a desire to get rid of the unclean spirit, but one should have the willingness to come to the synagogue 

The synagogue symbolizes the following 

The church 

The praying place 

The altar of the house 

Coming together for service

Spending time for listing the word of God 

Reading the scriptures

Praying Rosary

Personal prayer 

Sunday Eucharist

Adoration of the blessed sacrament

The moment we come to the synagogue of above things we encounter Jesus and the unclean spirit runs away from our life 

*5) Only Jesus - this means every Good things*

Every single gesture of love or filled with the Gospel spirit brings about the presence of Jesus 

When we experience such presence of Jesus, the unclean spirit runs away from our life and we are made clean 

Finally Jesus casts out every form of unclean spirit from our life 

*6) Am I ready to collaborate with Jesus?*

All of us suffer from various unclean spirit 

Coming to the synagogue is the precondition to get rid of the unclean spirit

If so, am I ready to come to the synagogue? 

Do I feel the need of cleansing of my heart and mind by Jesus,?

*Think about it*

*God bless you and your family. Praying for you and your dear ones*

*Fr Maxim DSouza*

*Jeppu Seminary*

*Mangalore*